Gary Masters (Part 1)

Welcome everyone to episode 32 of the Football United vs Soccer City podcast. The soccer public of the Illawarra should be proud of the women and men who have helped develop our game here. I hope these interviews give a little slice of our soccer history in the Illawarra across different eras and roles.

This episode's interviewee has worn different hats over the years as a supporter, ball boy, player, coach, volunteer, referee, parent and mentor.

Gary Masters began his involvement with the sport through his parent’s committee work at Fernhill Junior Soccer Club. Gus as he is known by most was a ball boy first and then started playing in the under 10s at Fernhill Junior Soccer Club. During this period he concurrently played in the Illawarra junior representative teams, which additionally earned him state representation and a tour of New Zealand.

At a very early age he played first grade for Fernhill Soccer Club and then went onto South Coast United (playing in different grades and coaching after a serious injury), Tarrawanna and represented Illawarra in the senior ranks. As you will hear he then went onto player-coaching, coaching and refereeing roles across different clubs and levels.

The passion and zest for soccer and life is ever present in Gus Masters. I have met him numerous times over the years and he is a bloke who gains people’s trust through dedication, integrity, empathy and the ability to communicate directly and sincerely all in one. As with all the interviews, Gus was wonderful to sit down with and due to his longevity in the game the podcast will be split into two parts. Publicly I thank Gus for his time and generosity with his archive and I truly hope you enjoy both parts to this interview.